Martin Li, Yin Ran

    martin.mouse@163.com

    OFFICIALS of UNESCO and London expressed intentions to strengthen cooperation with Shenzhen in different fields on their recent visits to the city.

    Hans D’Orville, assistant director-general for strategic planning of UNESCO, said in Monday’s meeting with the city’s publicity head, Wang Jingsheng, that UNESCO will continue cultural cooperation with Shenzhen in various ways.

    “Shenzhen is a player and contributor of soft power in China,” said D’Orville, who has visited Shenzhen several times.

    UNESCO named Shenzhen a global model for the promotion of reading in October last year in Beijing, bestowing the honorary title in recognition of the city’s continuous efforts to improve residents’ literacy.

    “We are moving much more into technology businesses, into medical research businesses, [which are] the same areas Shenzhen is developing, so these are the things that we can work together on,” Edward Lister, vice mayor for planning of London, said after Monday’s meeting with Shenzhen Vice Mayor Tang Jie.

    “We have a lot of Chinese people in London. A lot come to study and a lot come to work in London, so our relationship with China is very strong. The young people are evolving new cultures, new ways of doing things, new things people want to be involved with. And this is where we can work together,” said Lister.

    Both Shenzhen and London see the cultural industry as a pillar.

    Lister also shared his thoughts on Shenzhen’s strive to become an internationally developed metropolis.

    “It [an international city] is about a place that you want to live in. It is about good jobs, and it is also about soft things like culture, restaurants, parks and open spaces. All of these things make the city a great place. And you are evolving all of that,” said Lister.